1 Samuel 20:17

And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.

Study Bible

And Jonathan
The name "Jonathan" in Hebrew is "Yehonatan," meaning "Yahweh has given." Jonathan, the son of King Saul, is a significant figure in the narrative of 1 Samuel. His name itself is a testament to the providence and grace of God, suggesting that Jonathan's actions and character are gifts from God. His role as a prince and a warrior is overshadowed by his deep spiritual and emotional connection with David, which is central to this passage.

had David reaffirm his vow
The act of reaffirming a vow indicates a renewal or strengthening of a previous commitment. In the Hebrew context, vows were sacred and binding, often made before God as a witness. This phrase suggests a deepening of the covenantal relationship between Jonathan and David, emphasizing the seriousness and sanctity of their bond. It reflects the biblical principle of covenant, which is foundational to understanding God's relationship with His people.

out of love for him
The Hebrew word for love used here is "ahavah," which encompasses a range of meanings from deep affection to covenantal loyalty. Jonathan's love for David is not merely emotional but is rooted in a commitment that mirrors the steadfast love God shows to His people. This love transcends personal gain or political advantage, highlighting a selfless and sacrificial nature that is a model for Christian relationships.

for Jonathan loved David
This repetition underscores the depth and sincerity of Jonathan's feelings. The narrative emphasizes that Jonathan's actions are motivated by genuine love, which is a reflection of the biblical command to love one's neighbor. This love is a powerful force that shapes the events of the story, demonstrating the transformative power of godly relationships.

as he loved himself
This phrase echoes the commandment found in Leviticus 19:18, "Love your neighbor as yourself," which Jesus later affirms as one of the greatest commandments. Jonathan's love for David is portrayed as pure and selfless, setting a standard for Christian love and friendship. It challenges believers to consider how they love others and to strive for a love that mirrors the selfless love of Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jonathan
The son of King Saul, known for his deep friendship with David. He is a model of loyalty and selflessness.

2. David
The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, and a man after God's own heart. At this point, he is a fugitive from King Saul.

3. King Saul
The first king of Israel, who becomes increasingly hostile towards David due to jealousy and fear of losing his throne.

4. The Covenant
A solemn agreement between Jonathan and David, rooted in mutual love and respect, and a commitment to protect each other.

5. Gibeah
The location where much of the interaction between Jonathan, David, and Saul takes place.

Teaching Points

The Power of Covenant Friendship
True friendship is marked by loyalty, sacrifice, and mutual respect. Jonathan and David's relationship exemplifies a covenant friendship that goes beyond mere companionship.

Love as a Reflection of God's Love
Jonathan's love for David, "as he loved himself," reflects the biblical command to love others as oneself. This love is selfless and mirrors God's love for us.

The Role of Vows and Promises
The reaffirmation of vows between Jonathan and David underscores the importance of keeping promises and the integrity that should characterize our relationships.

Navigating Hostility with Integrity
Despite Saul's hostility, Jonathan and David maintain their integrity and commitment to each other, teaching us to uphold righteousness even in difficult circumstances.

The Impact of Godly Relationships
Godly friendships can have a profound impact on our lives, providing support, encouragement, and accountability. We should seek to cultivate such relationships.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jonathan's love for David challenge our understanding of friendship and loyalty in today's context?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of loving others as ourselves in our daily interactions?

3. How can the covenant between Jonathan and David inspire us to be more intentional in our commitments to others?

4. What can we learn from Jonathan's actions about maintaining integrity and righteousness in the face of adversity?

5. How do the relationships we cultivate reflect our relationship with God, and how can we ensure they are honoring to Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 18:1-4
This passage describes the initial bond and covenant between Jonathan and David, highlighting the depth of their friendship.

Proverbs 17:17
This verse speaks to the nature of true friendship, which is constant and supportive, much like Jonathan and David's relationship.

John 15:13
Jesus speaks of the greatest love being to lay down one's life for friends, reflecting the sacrificial nature of Jonathan's love for David.

Ruth 1:16-17
Ruth's commitment to Naomi mirrors the loyalty and devotion seen in Jonathan's commitment to David.